Narrator: As this eventful year sees its final moments, another new moon appears. Like the Ethereal Moon, for instance. Though most stars will still glimmer in the crisp winter air, the blue sea star has gone back into hiding. Legend states that the goddess prays for peace from her home in the heavens. In the town of Elysium, the anniversary of the monastery's completion nears, and the people's prayers intensify ahead of the millennium festival, still five years hence.
Irma: I'm glad you three could come on such a glorious day. We are planning a grand ball for this month. I am sure the students will be most pleased.
Sampson: Yes, certainly. However, we must not devote all of our time to frivolity. We have a new mission for you. We have found evidence of someone sneaking into an unused chapel.
Logan: Was something stolen?
Irma: No, there is nothing of value in that building. We do not yet know what the intruders' objectives are.
Sampson: This month, your class is tasked with guarding the chapel and investigating these intruders. With the recent state of affairs surrounding the holy church, we cannot afford to overlook any abnormality, no matter how seemingly trivial.
Irma: I am ordering a seasoned knight to assist you to ensure the safety of the students. In times like these, I am afraid we must always expect the worst.
Oona: Which knight?
Janus: If I'd known this was a bonding trip, even I would be surprised.
Kids: Dad!
Janus: I'll have some important business to deal with first, then we can go.
Chrominos: Rowley... No, Dairou, was it not? And the Shadow Knight... It is most clear that something has transpired. And it relates to you somehow. Or is the fault my own, and you're just caught inside the wave...
Kandan: I would have to agree with you there, but even I cannot trust anyone with the truth after all this.
Camilla: Everyone's in such a festive mood. I feel a bit out of my element here. I can't help but worry something might happen while we're all distracted... After all, our enemies are always plotting. Still, this air of levity is much more agreeable than the grim atmosphere of late.
Kandan: Aye.
Camilla: Still, would it not be wise to reveal a little something?
Kandan: That would be?
Camilla: Have you ever felt a sort of longing for the outdoors? I have. There are times I long for the warmth of the sun, for a sweet breeze on my face... Do you remember what I told you the other night? About...my past? None of my siblings had a chance to lead the sort of life they deserved. An ordinary life.
Kandan: I remember.
Camilla: Course you do. My siblings and I were... We were imprisoned underground, beneath the palace. The object was to endow our bodies with the power of a Major Crest. I have always possessed the Crest of Hadoria, inherited through the Toussaint bloodline. But it was only a Minor Crest, and most of my siblings bore no Crest at all. In order to create a peerless emperor to rule Me-Hador, they violated our bodies by cutting open our very flesh. Now here I stand, the fruit of that endeavor: Camilla Toussaint! But that came at too high a price... The others were sacrificed. Ours weren't the only lives devastated by that terrible process. Innocents died as well, without even knowing what they were dying for. And there you have it, the truth of our tragic Empire.
Kandan: It's unbelievable.
Camilla: It is. I know how it all sounds. But when you see my true strength, you will know I speak the truth. I have kept it hidden all this time, but...I will reveal to you the power of my second Crest. It is the same as yours...the Crest of Flames. When it manifested for me, I swore a silent oath. For the sake of my family and for all the poor souls whose lives were traded for my existence... For their sake, I will build a world where such meaningless sacrifice is never again sanctioned. As emperor, I will change the world. I swear it.
Kandan: Not just you. Think about it, we could be related to Novox. We could surpass his wicked legacy! And together you and I can rule this world. Make things the way we want them to be.
Camilla: Whoa, slow your roll. Then again, you have a point.
Kenneth: It seems the dastards who set Remire Village aflame have yet to be apprehended. Monsters. Trampling mercilessly over innocent lives. They deserve a gruesome end...
Oona: Kenneth, not in front of others...
Braddock: Someone entered the old chapel... I think the townsfolk used it for feasts and such in the past. With that whole business concerning Dairou, you can't blame the church for being on edge.
Logan: Same.(He and his siblings realize something as Logan goes over to Ava)Hey, you know my dad better than anyone else.
Ava: Yes.
Logan: So, I was hoping you'd participate in the dance contest?
Ava: Hang on... The contest? Right before... The ball? Doesn't matter. I don't dance. I might show up for the food though. Not that it's got anything to do with me, but have you picked someone to represent us for the White Heron Cup yet?
Logan: You were the girl I was thinking about.
Ava: What? You're asking a peasant to dance? You've got some pretty weird ideas!
Kandan: Marnie, come on. I need someone for the contest...
Marnie: What is a White Heron Cup, anyway? Wh-what?! A dance competition?! That's terrifying! W-we need a representative for our class?! Please, anyone but Marnie!
Kandan: Sorry girl, but I couldn't think of anyone else.
Marnie: You're just trying to humiliate me, aren't you?
Luke: Incidentally, I have heard there will be a dance competition prior to the ball. Have you chosen a representative yet?
Oona: You and I are both the kind of people who can try to calm Kenneth down, so you're my pick.
Luke: I will take part, if you insist.
Marnie: Kandan! Will you give me some dancing lessons?
Kandan: Certainly.(He, and his siblings help their choices practice for the big day. And when it finally comes...)
Aegis: Ladies and gentlemen! My sincerest apologies for the wait! Thank you for gathering here on the eve of the highly anticipated ball to bear witness to... The academy-wide dance competition! Welcome to the White Heron Cup! As always, this year can prove to be a special one. Because this time, we have our new professors joining Julia, Annabelle, and myself. The six of us swear on our honor to judge the following proceedings with utmost impartiality and fairness! And with that, will the representatives of each house please make their way to the stage!
(Contestants come forward)
Aegis: Contestants! Are you ready to dance? And is the band prepared to play? Very well... BEGIN!
(The three contestants dance)
Aegis: TIME! That's all, folks! Splendid! All three of you were fantastic! Now, let's hear what the judges have to say...
Julia: Oh my, let's see. I suppose I have no choice but to vote for... Ms. Ava. Your performance was...exhilarating. My heart is still beating a mile a minute.
Annabelle: My vote will go to... Mr. Luke. Decisive movements. Nothing wasted.
Aegis: Great feedback, both of you! Well then, let's see... Factoring my own humble opinion... Ouch, this is going to be harsh, because I was gunning for Ms. Marnie. Still, that is why this year is special...
Oona(whispering): Ouch, if I knew we were going to be the deciding vote, I would've not gotten involved.
Kandan(whispering): Yes, but you and I have already triumphed in two mock battles. And let's not forget, he did win that fishing tournament.
Oona(whispering): Guess I know what that means...(Aloud)Ladies and gentlemen, we have decided that this year's winner is to be none other than Ms. Ava Parisi!
Ava: I can dance? Huh!
Aegis: Once more, please give a big round of applause for our talented participants!
Ava(after the excitement ends): Seriously? I won? Maybe I should drop the mercenary idea and take up a life of dancing!
Logan: Maybe, being the keyword here.(As his siblings arrive)Admit it, you two wanted us to be similar in both blood and victory.
Kandan: No brother, your victory in that fishing tournament was just a minor one. We just wanted to give you a major one, that's all.
(On the night of the ball, Kandan, his siblings, and his cousins seem to be the talk of the town. The reception hall is filled with students on the night of the ball. Couples dance in the center of the hall. Kandan and his family stand by the tables in a crowd of students. Braddock approaches and takes Logan's hand, leading him to the dance floor. Despite all this, Logan looks at Ava)
Logan(to himself, singing): I can't believe this moment's come, It's so incredible that we're alone... There's so much to be said and done. It's impossible not to be overcome. Will you forgive me if I feel this way? Cuz we've just met- tell me that's OK. So, take this feeling, and make it grow. Never let it- never let it go... Cause no matter what we decide... Destiny's will has led us here, even if it's not super clear. We've come so far, and still, there's a future of hope... It's crazy how we have stood this year, when everything's not what it appears. Our lives are just like paper on a quill...for following destiny's will.
(Now Oona looks at Kenneth, while keeping an eye on Camilla)
Oona(to herself, singing): It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small, and the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all! He's looking at me with those crystal eyes. How to respond? What words can be said? Oh, maybe some things can be simply said... Now would you mind if I bared my soul? If I came right out and said you're beautiful? Cuz there's something here I can't explain, I feel I'm diving into driving rain. You get my senses running wild, I can't resist your sweet, sweet smile. So, take this feeling, and make it grow. Never let it- never let it go... We're leaving the past behind... Destiny's will has led us here, so get on out, and start a cheer. We've come so far, and still, there's more than we bargained for... It's funny how we survived this year, when even trouble has come right here. But we're subjects to take the pill...and follow destiny's will.
Camilla(to herself, singing): He's got those eyes, he's got that smile. Let me be part of it all, only for today... My cause is right, my ambition fair. Doesn't anyone care at all if we call! Oh...
Logan and Oona(to themselves, singing): Destiny's will has led us here, and now it's becoming all too clear.(Camilla: Can I speak the truth...)Our path has spiraled into a greater day!(Camilla: Hey...)I don't know how we've braved this year, no matter what dangers have endeared.(Camilla: Just need things to be straight...)
Logan(to himself, singing): But can we keep up this magnificent allure...
Oona(to herself, singing): And if we can't remain standing, I don't mind...
Camilla(to herself, singing): As for them, if we're over, that's fine...
All three(to themselves, singing): We'll follow destiny's...will.
(Later that night, Kandan and Logan are with Camilla and Ava in the Goddess Tower)
Kandan: Okay, so why are you here? Has something happened?
Camilla: No, nothing in particular. In fact, that's why I came here. This place, the Goddess Tower... It was special to my parents. My father attended the Officers Academy himself. A few years after graduating, he was crowned emperor. One day, during a visit to the monastery, he snuck into the Goddess Tower on a nostalgic whim. And there she was, my mother. She had just enrolled in the academy that very year. They were instantly drawn to each other. Love at first sight, you could say. It was the first time either had truly been in love... or so the story goes.
Kandan: Their first love?
Camilla: Yes. Of course, as emperor, my father had already married for political reasons. As the Empire demands many heirs, he also had numerous other lovers. In the end, my mother settled for becoming one of his many consorts. But I choose to believe there was genuine love between them. Heh, I suppose it's a silly story to cling to.
Kandan: It's a lovely story.
Camilla: Isn't it? It's a shame that the lovely stories ended after I was born. For as long as I can remember, my mother had already been exiled from the capital. It's strange. Something about you makes me reveal all of the things I so carefully keep concealed. Anyway... What about you? It's your turn to reveal some long-held secret! You can share a story about your past...or perhaps tell me about your first love.
Kandan: I have no such stories
Camilla: You're telling the truth. I can tell. Hm... I wasn't even able to make you blush.
Kandan: Sorry.
Camilla: Heh... No, I'm the one who should apologize. It wasn't my intention to pry. I'm just intrigued by you and your mysterious past. You have supposedly always been a mercenary, but I believe there is more to your story than that... Let's leave it there for today and return to the ball. There must be plenty of students hoping to talk with you...and to dance with you. I would not wish to prevent you from mingling. I cannot keep you all to myself, after all.
Logan: You know, me and my siblings always care for one another. I mean, you being a sort of page to him, kinda adds you to the family in a way.
Ava: In a way?
Logan: Don't get the wrong idea, but I feel as if it is true.
Ava: Hah. You really do take after Captain Janus—always putting others first. All right, then, Goddess. You heard the promise. It's a done deal. Say, Professor...why did you come out here, anyway?
Logan: I just wanted some time alone.
Ava: Ah. Well, it is pretty crowded down there. I guess I shouldn't have interrupted. I'll leave you to it. But don't stay out here too long, all right? You'll catch a cold!
(Meanwhile, Oona spots Kenneth outside)
Kenneth: Oona? What are you doing here?
Oona: Kenny. Aren't you going to dance with Camilla?
Kenneth: No, I should think not. As a child, Camilla taught me how to dance. It was...a bit awkward, honestly.
Oona: Camilla? Awkward, indeed.
Kenneth: I've told you before we're siblings by marriage, haven't I? Her birth mother was my stepmother, although I didn't know that at the time. My stepmother treated me with such kindness...just as though I were her own flesh and blood. And yet she never so much as hinted that she had her own child...Camilla. We were born and raised in different territories, without ever knowing the other even existed. Yet, against all odds, for just over a year, we became childhood friends.
Oona: Friends? Now, this is getting weird.
Kenneth: Indeed. Unaware of each other's stations or backgrounds, we met and became incredibly close. This was when she and Val were living in the Kingdom.
Oona: Hang on. Why were they in the Kingdom?
Kenneth: They were in exile... This was a time of great turmoil within the Empire. I ran into her when visiting Val's residence with my father. She seemed...quite bored. With everything. At first, I found her to be difficult and stubborn, but that facade quickly fell away, revealing her true self beneath... That's around the time when she taught me how to dance. Her instruction was... Oh, let's call it strict. To put it nicely.
Young Camilla: Wrong foot, Kenneth! You're supposed to lead with your right!
Young Kenneth: Cammy, the sun's going down! I really oughta be heading home...
Kenneth(narrating): Ah. That one year before she had to return to the Empire was...so much fun. The time of my life, in many ways.
Oona: Heh.
Kenneth: Say, Oona? Will you join me for a bit? You must be getting a bit tired of the ball by now.
Oona: Course I would.(As the two enter, however...)
Kandan: Well, I didn't expect us to be here in one place.
Dean(having Kristy with him): Whole family in one place! Hah! Finally!
Oona: First time in realspace.
Aiden(having Ronnie with him): It is a joy to have all of us with the ones we love above all others. Not that everyone else has that certain special someone, of course.
Alvin(having Katie with him): Yeah, got that right. Still, I guess Tyson doesn't have anybody round here to call his own.
Logan: Give the guy some time, okay? I mean, there must be someone in this world who can love him.
Dean: Why don't you lovebirds head out, eh? Cause us six still have some quality time to share, apparently.
Logan: Don't stay up too late.
Chrominos: Well now, isn't this perfect? It seems that everyone is having a delightful time. Will you not dance some more?
Kandan: I'd rather not.
Chrominos: How dull of you! Had I a body of my own... Oh, I would sing and dance until I fell upon the ground! But you... Hmph. Do you as will.(The pair soon comes across Irma)Ah, you're not the only one who feels that way. Look over there.
Kandan: It's Irma.
Chrominos: Bingo. Hmph. I'm bored beyond compare. Will you not follow her?
Kandan: Why would I?
Chrominos: Oh, come on! Hurry up! I know that you are curious to see what she is up to... I hear...someone singing. From other there...
Irma(singing): In time's flow...see the glow of flames ever burning bright... On the swift river's drift, broken memories alight...
Chrominos: That song... I feel I have heard it in the past... Actually... It is not that I have heard it. I... Did I once sing that song to someone? No. There's more. I wrote this song... Oh, but how could that be so? If that were true, then how could she be singing it? Unless... No, no. I am suddenly so exhausted... As are you, no doubt? Quickly then. To bed with you.
Kandan: Yes, for tomorrow is a day of possible danger, and potential tragedy.
(When the sun rises again...)
Aegis: Captain? Captain! Where are you? Hey, fellas. Have you seen your old man?
Logan: Nope.
Oona: Not me.
Kandan: Uh-uh.
Aegis: Too bad. I guess it will have to be you three, then...
Janus: I'm back. Sorry for the delay, my last mission took longer than expected.
Aegis: Captain! Thank goodness you're here. There are reports of Demonic Beasts near the chapel!
Janus: Nonsense. I haven't heard anything about the monastery's walls being breached.
Aegis: That's why I'm heading there now, to see what's really going on. You'll join as well, won't you?
Janus: Of course. We're both sworn to protect this place.
Oona: Where did they come from?
Aegis: It's odd. Just before they appeared, someone saw a number of students heading toward the chapel. They were apparently acting strange, as though they weren't in their right minds. Shortly after, Demonic Beasts started to appear, one after the other.
Logan: Are the students safe?
Janus: Hm... The students... There's no way those Demonic Beasts got in from the outside... But none of that matters right now. We need to act. Go summon your students.
Kids: Right!
Kandan(Running toward Camilla and the Talon Clan again): Okay, people, people, look alive! No time for resting here, fellas.
Logan(running toward Braddock and the Horn Clan again): Let's go, c'mon, get up! Let's move it!
Oona(running toward Kenneth and the Claw Clan again): Move it, let's go, we got an emergency here!
(Everyone gets up, prepares their weaponry, and heads outside the schoolyard, where trouble is indeed brewing)
Janus Blast it... I wanted to talk to you about something important, but there's no time. There's never any stinking time. But this is much more urgent, so it can hold for now. I'll meet you there.
Oona: Well, take a look at that. There really are Demonic Beasts here...
Logan: Yes, this is most disturbing.
Janus: They're emerging from the chapel! I'll head that way. The rest of you, protect the students who weren't able to get away.
Student (South-west corner): Help me! These beasts... They're...
Student (North-west corner): Argh! Somebody help me!
Student (North-east corner): You stupid beasts! Don't you dare come over here!
(As everyone moves onward, Janus notices something)
Janus: That beast... There's a stone or something on its forehead...
Monique(to herself): Everything's going to plan. Those foolish mortals, they've taken the bait. Here they come to save the day, and now the Demonic Beasts will destroy them.
(As she says this, Oona and Logan take down the first beast)
Janus: The Demonic Beasts were actually students? How can this be...
Logan: I don't know, but we'd better keep going!
(Kandan, Braddock, Kenneth, Camilla, and their friends deal with the other beasts)
Student: Thank you! But my friends who couldn't get away... Are they OK?
Student: I was so scared... I'll find a way to repay you, I promise!
Student: Sorry. That was a close one...
Student: Phew... You saved me. Thank you!
Janus(as he and Kandan check out the chapel): There isn't a trace of evidence to be found in the chapel. This must have been something to do with Remire. Perhaps...
Monique: Wait!
Janus: Huh? Another student? Look kid, the danger may not be over. Run along now.
Monique: Thanks for all your help, sir.(She skips around behind Janus before pulling a dagger and plunging it into his back. Kandan is shocked. Not wanting his siblings to find out, he uses Chrominos' power to try and stop her, but finds himself as the one stopped by another evil force)
Cronos: I don't think so.
Monique: Huh? What are you doing here?
Cronos: You must survive. Merely because there is a role that I require you to fulfill. As for you... Yes, I see a conqueror's potential inside you, yet you do not have it yet... I am Cronos, remember the name.
Oona: Huh?(Notices that Janus is...)Father!
Logan: NO!
Janus: Sorry. It looks like...I'm going to have to leave you now. To think that the first time I saw you cry...your tears would be for me. It's sad, and yet...I'm happy for it. Thank you...kids.
Logan: Come on, we'd better get everyone filled in on this.
Aiden: Aye.
Dean: Yeah.
Kandan(to himself, singing): Destiny's will has led us here, the vision of death is crystal clear. And even though my heart is sinking, all this has got me thinking...(spoken)Don't worry, Dad, I'll get to the bottom of this. I promise.(singing)I'll elevate myself from your legacy. Let all those who ignore ne wonder how I rose from your stead, after you turned up dead, and never will be heard... The world has no right to my heart! The world has no place in my head! Anybody who stands or has stood in my path, they are going to pay! They...will...pay.
(From afar, the Shadow Knight's other allies watch with joy, knowing that all their hard work is about to pay off sooner than expected. Back at Elysium, Kandan and Chrominos discover yet another secret)
Chrominos: So, this is where your father lived... Hm? Are you still crying? If turning back the hands of time was not enough to save his life, you must accept what came to pass was fate.
Kandan: Our enemies will pay.
Chrominos: Agreed. We cannot let the wicked ones run free. Oh! Your father said to look for something here. He must be referring to whatever is behind that bookcase there... Hmmm, Oh. Your father's diary... Huh, his handwriting is prettier than his face would suggest. Well, well! These entries here are from before your birth. He seems to have been writing this for quite some time. Hm? Ah... Let's see... Day 20 of the Horsebow Moon. All is cloudy. I can't believe she's dead. Irma said she died during childbirth. But is that the truth? And still, the child she traded her life for doesn't make a sound. Didn't even cry at birth. Day 25 of the Horsebow Moon. It's raining. The baby doesn't laugh or cry. Not ever. She says not to worry, but a baby that doesn't cry...isn't natural. Had a doctor examine the child in secret. He said the pulse is normal, but there's no heartbeat. No heartbeat! Day 2 of the Wyvern Moon. Sunny. I feel I must take the child and leave. But the church is always watching us... I don't know what Irma has planned. I used to think the world of her. Now I'm terrified of her. Day 8 of the Wyvern Moon. More rain. I used the fire that broke out last night to fake the child's death. Irma is in a state over the news. But I can't change what I've done. I've got to take the child and leave... Well now! That baby must be you! That means... Hm? Someone is approaching us.
Aegis: Ah... Here you are. To think that Captain... that Janus would meet his end like that. I hope you know that you were the most important thing in the world to him.
Kandan: I was?
Aegis: He wasn't the most emotional guy. I'm sure expressing his affection wouldn't have come naturally to him.
Logan: Then it looks like you will become captain.
Aegis: Yes. After what's happened, it's up to me now. I, Aegis, swear to protect you in the captain's stead.(sighs)Sorry. This isn't the time for my blathering. Lady Irma is looking for you. I came to tell you that. I'll take my leave now.
Chrominos: This book is filled with secrets yet unknown. We must return another time to read the rest. Oh, but I have at least figured one thing out. I know now why our fates are intertwined...
Kenneth: There you are. Lady Irma is looking for you, Oona. And after your audience, why don't you join me at the dining hall? You haven't eaten since...since it happened. Have you?
Oona: Aw...
Kenneth: Forgive me... I suppose it's too soon to try and coax you back into the normal swing of things. As for what happened to Janus... I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to stop it. Stay here until you've found some peace. I'll cover for you with Lady Irma and everyone else.
Oona: If only.
Kenneth: No need to put on a brave face. No one would blame you for taking time for yourself. I don't believe it's a sign of strength to just keep going forward no matter what. Taking the time to grieve for those we've lost...there's strength in that too. That's what I think, anyway. That said... It's also important to remember that no matter how sad you are, eventually your tears will dry up. That's when you have to figure out what it is you're living for. Then you can cling to that, with all your might, and start moving forward again.
Oona: What I'm living for?
Kenneth: Four years ago, in Kiadan, I experienced the same pain you're feeling now. My father...was the strongest man I knew. Someone I loved and admired deeply. That say, he was killed before my eyes. His head severed clean off. My stepmother, the kindest person I had ever known, left me behind and disappeared into the infernal flames. Everyone who I considered precious...my family and my closest friends...I couldn't save any of them. Not a single one. Now, the burden of the work they left behind falls on me. I must ensure they have no regrets. That's my duty, as the sole survivor of the tragedy. It's a heavy burden, but accepting it gave me the strength to pick myself up off the ground and start moving again. Start living again. Janus is gone... So, what will you do now, Oona? What must you do? Look deep in your heart and I'm certain you'll find the answer there...indelible and inescapable. I've probably bothered you enough for today, but I have just one more thought to leave you with. Even now, Sampson is gathering the knights to begin a full-scale search for the enemy. It may not be right away, but before long they will find their trail. No matter what happens or what anyone may say, know that I plan to stand by you, Oona. Through anything. Until the bitter end.
Oona: Then I can double that time.